Council Leaders in Derby have pledged support for Derby County Football Club during talks with administrators.
They have vowed that Derby will do all it can to stand with the football club; a key driver of the city’s economy.
Cllr Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
Derby County has been part of our city for almost 140 years. In the life of a football club, match days are the main event, but it’s what happens beyond the pitch, in the community, that is testament to the club’s wider value.
Just as important is the power that the club has in the city through its grassroots community to enthuse, inspire and make a difference, especially to the lives of young people.
The club has also run the Derby County Community Trust, since 2008. The charity helps encourage Derby citizens to participate in sport to help improve health and wellbeing, providing and enhancing education and promoting equality and diversity. As a Council, we’ve worked closely with the trust on a number of events and programmes for young people in Derby.
Cllr Poulter added;
We cannot underestimate the impact of a successful football club in the city; not just in spreading the Derby brand across a wide stage, but also in boosting our local economy. The club have always supported us, particularly in recent years with hospitality for our international partners from China and Toyota in Japan.
On a personal note, I am an avid Rams supporter. As a season ticket holder this is of personal importance to me like thousands of citizens from across the city – and indeed the world.
The Council met with administrators early this week to discuss how they can support the club and the next steps.
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive of Derby City Council, said:
I was obviously disappointed to see DCFC hit the news again this week, with a second points deduction since falling into administration, but from talks we understand the administrators are still very optimistic about securing a buyer, and a long-term future for the club.
We understand how important the football club is to the city of Derby, and are having regular conversations with the club and the administrators. We stand ready to help, however we can, to ensure the club can regain former glories